…other films get cash rewards
By Nosakhare Agbonigiarhuoyi
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has awarded the best feature film $10,000 as the curtain closes on the Edo State International Film Festival.
The Governor, who was visibly excited over the success of the international film festival, said: “Tonight’s celebration for us in Edo means that we have come of age. We know who we are. We are perhaps the most creative people on the black continent. Our history is there to show that fact.
“We’ve created the most masterpieces in terms of arts through centuries. Our people have been perhaps the most creative Africans in this continent.
“So what we are celebrating tonight; the talent we are celebrating tonight did not just fall from the sky. They come from a long line; from a strong heritage of creativity and innovation. So tonight, we are celebrating our past.”
He added: “We are here to give an award to the best overall film. I’m sure that the work and time that went into producing this film is worth more than what we are giving as a prize.
“But this prize is just a token; our own appreciation for the work all of you have put in through the years to tell our story; using your talent, cameras, through scripting, your directing talent and management skills in managing your sets and the stage.
“All of these you have put together to create what has now become the pride of our country.”
“You’ve been able to express yourselves to the fullest extent, and sell your talents to the rest of the world.
“The future of the Edo State International Film Festival will witness the government’s pull back to allow you to do more for yourselves.
“We will continue to support you, but we will allow you to take over because the government does not have the skills to do what you can do in your industry.”
The nominees for the best overall films were ‘ONAIWU’, ‘RANCOR’, and ‘I CAN’T BREATH’, and ‘ONAIWU’ bagged the best film at the well-attended event that had participants from over 94 countries.
Other films that bagged awards are: ‘Battle of the West’ declared the best film in the application of technology; ‘Zara’ was named best cell phone film and ‘the Funeral’ won the best student film award. Each winner got a $2,000 cash reward each.
Others are: Best indigenous language film, ‘On this mountain;’ ‘Omoatama,’ bagged the best film shot in Edo State Award. Each category winner went home with a $5,000 cash prize.
The winners in the rural photography award category went home with N375, 000. Other winners are Best Director, Joseph Okhomina (Onaiwu); Best Actor (female), Victory Idahosa (Onaiwu); Best Actor (male), Ben Olaye (Onaiwu); Best Short Film, Tare: Best Documentary, Palm for Crude; Best Film Costume, Osayi Blessing (Onaiwu); Best Filmmaker, Ramon Abdulazeez and Best Cinematography, After a while (Egypt).
